It's easy to get a permit for an earthquake retrofit of a single-family property foundation — if you use the standard plans provided by the State of California (details below), you can simply download the permit from SJPermits.org. Online permits save time and $40 off the regular permit fee. The permit allows you to proceed with the work and then schedule an inspection at SJPermits.org.

In addition to providing Californians with a standard plan set for earthquake retrofits (you don't have to invest in or draw up the plans), the State created the Earthquake Brace & Bolt Program to provide small grants (approximately $3,000) for qualifying projects to help pay costs associated with the retrofit. The grants have been offered annually to various cities, including San Jose. There are always more applicants than available grants, so we encourage you to sign up at the State website even if they show registration as closed ... and you'll be emailed when there is a new offering.

If you are looking for Earthquake Safety information, please visit our Fire Department's Earthquake Safety and other disaster preparedness information on the Fire Department's Public Education page. 

STATE EARTHQUAKE BRACE & BOLT (EBB) PROGRAM

www.EarthquakeBraceBolt.com

Once you have been accepted into the State Earthquake Brace & Bolt (EBB) program, your contractor should handle applying to the City's Building Division for a building permit. EBB trains and certifies contractors to work with their program and you must use an approved contractor. We strongly recommend that the contractor pull the permit as they will be most familiar with the process; additionally, whoever pulls the permit is legally liable for the work performed.

The EBB Program requires that a permit be obtained before the contractor commences any work. Visit EarthquakeBraceBolt.com for complete details.

Approved EBB projects that use the standard plan set listed below may secure a "Brace & Bolt Earthquake Retrofit Permit" at SJPermits.org:

• Standard Plan Set A - This plan set, completed by the contractor, must be provided to the City Inspector at the time of inspection. All tables must be complete and all required details identified for the project. In addition, a site-specific foundation drawing must be provided.

Projects Not Using the Standard Plan Sets - For earthquake retrofit projects that do not use the State-approved standard plan set, the applicant must submit a Building Permit Application and plans via email to BuildingPermits@sanjoseca.gov. The plans must include:

• Site Foundation Plan drawn to scale with clear scope of work indicating length of linear footage being repaired, with all required dimensions, specifications, details, and instructions for the installation of foundation anchors and cripple wall bracing (for walls shorter than 4'-0" tall).
• The plans must be in accordance with the 2019 California Existing Building Code Chapter A3. These plan sets are intended for use without the services of a design professional (architect or engineer)

TO SCHEDULE AN INSPECTION

For permits secured at at SJPermits.org, use the Inspection Scheduling feature of SJPermits to schedule the inspection

For all other projects, call the Development Services Center:  (408) 535-3555

OTHER POSSIBLE REQUIREMENTS/CONTACTS

If your project needs a ...

• Planning Permit, call 408-535-3555
• Public Works Permit, call 408-535-3555
• Fire Department Plan Review, call 408-535-7750

For questions about the EBB Program: 
Email: info@EarthquakeBraceBolt.com
Customer Service: (877) 232-4300

For questions about the City's permit process:
Email: BuildingPermits@sanjoseca.gov